Non-employer or volunteer work is an opportunity to gain some experience, even though it is typically unpaid. This experience could help you stand apart from other candidates and increase your chances of getting the job. For this reason, volunteer work should appear on your resume. Ensure that your description emphasizes the skills, knowledge and abilities you learned that could help you perform the new job successfully.

1. List all the volunteer positions you have held over the years on a sheet of paper. Describe the duties you had for each, and list the skills you learned and used at the job. Evaluate this list and note the jobs that are relevant to the position you want.

2. Select a format for your resume that will show your achievements in the best light. A chronological format is best if your work history has been consistent over the years; a functional resume can highlight your abilities and hide gaps in employment; and a combination resume uses the best of both formats.

3. Create a separate section titled “Volunteer Experience.” You can place it under the section for employment history.

4. List your volunteer positions as you would paid jobs, if you volunteered at several places for months or years. For instance, each volunteer position would include the title, the company name and location, the length of time you volunteered and a description of your responsibilities. Include volunteer opportunities that are relevant to the job you are seeking and list them in reverse chronological order.

5. List the names of the companies only, if you volunteered at multiple places for short periods of time. This is appropriate for volunteer opportunities that you went to once for a few days or hours.

6. Complete the resume with other sections. These sections typically include job objective, skills, employment history and education.

About the Author

Tina Amo has been writing business-related content since 2006. Her articles appear on various well-known websites. Amo holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in information systems.